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| When we think of Ponsonby we think Cafes, Bars, Fashion, Highbrow, Quaint, Boutique and, above all, LIFESTYLE!
FOR RENTAL PROPERTIES AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT PONSONBY, Herne Bay, St Marys Bay, Freemans Bay, Grey Lynn, Arch Hill, Kingsland contact us.
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Ponsonby Today
PONSONBY, AUCKLAND OFFERS RENTAL PROPERTIES AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT TO PEOPLE WITH STYLE. The Ponsonby District which incorporates Herne Bay, St. Mary’s Bay, Freeman’s Bay, Grey Lynn and Ponsonby is one of Auckland’s oldest areas and is within walking distance of the Auckland City Business area.
While Ponsonby has undergone some dramatic changes in its lifespan, regardless of its phase, it has consistently provided a haven for artists, revolutionaries, heroes and creatures of the night. It has excellent primary schools and sort after secondary schools. Ponsonby also has excellent public transport with a 10 minute bus service to the City.
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In the Beginning
One hundred and fifty years ago the hills and valleys of Freemans Bay and Ponsonby were covered with fern and manuka; by 1900 the landscape was covered by industry and housing. The Historic Ponsonby Heritage Walk is shows you some of the key surviving buildings which reflect that rapid change and the lives of the people involved. Maori had been present on the Tamaki isthmus from around 1000 AD. While many small sub-tribal groups moved through the area, Waiohua were tangata whenua until overwhelmed by Ngati Whatua in 1750. In 1840 Ngati Whatua sold substantial blocks of land around the Waitemata Harbour to Governor Hobson who established the colony's capital there.
Eventually the water of Freemans Bay and nearby St Marys Bay were reclaimed but, prior to this Freemans Bay (then known as Waiatarau) was valued by Maori as a source of shellfish and a landing place for canoes. Three pa sites existed on headlands but none is believed to have been occupied by a permanent pa as the clay soils of Ponsonby were too
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The Late Nineteenth Century
Freemans Bay was probably named after James Stuart Freeman, Hobson's acting private secretary. Once Auckland was established in 1840, Freemans Bay quickly became the location of industry, particularly saw milling. It also took on another name at this time: Waipiro Bay ("stinking water"), a reference to the rum drinking habits of the mill workers.
During the 1850's the upper slopes of Freemans Bay were settled by the well-to-do. As industry developed, squatters and workers' cottages followed. It's not clear for whom Ponsonby was named but there are three likely contenders: Mr Ponsonby Peacock, a member of the legislative council; Sir William Ponsonby and Colonel Frederick Ponsonby, both of whom fought at Waterloo.
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A Fashionable Suburb is Born
Wealthy Aucklanders built homes on the Ponsonby Road ridge, attracted by the magnificent harbour views. Public transport was established in the 1880's and the electric tram at the turn of century. This innovation brought working people to Ponsonby and businesses serving them to Ponsonby Road. During the depression of the late 1920's to 1930's, inner city living conditions deteriorated dramatically, business tumbled and the churches were obliged to provide relief. Freemans Bay became a slum, with cramped, poor quality housing and disease. In the 1950s large numbers of low-income Pacific Island immigrants became tenants in the area. The total clearance of Freemans Bay was proposed as a solution. Motorway construction on the eastern margins of the area removed many residential streets and others were cleared and replaced with townhouses.
Inner city living and building restoration became popular in the 1970's. New residents moved into the area, many renovating the surviving properties. Ponsonby Road again blossomed and has since remained the centre of Auckland's restaurant and cafe life.
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